Intercostal Neuralgia

Causes of intercostal neuralgia that show no abnormalities in imaging tests (X-ray, MRI) include: ① Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Radiating pain occurring from trigger points in the chest wall or intercostal muscles; ② Functional Neuralgia: Pain caused by nerve hypersensitivity (nerve conduction abnormalities without structural damage); ③ Thoracic Spine Joint Dysfunction: Microscopic joint abnormalities not easily visible on X-ray; ④ Psychogenic Factors: Stress or anxiety causing sustained tension in the chest wall muscles. These are all areas where non-surgical and non-pharmacological approaches are effective.

Perspective of a Korean Medicine Clinic

Korean medicine is a field that excels particularly in addressing uncomfortable conditions—that is, the stage before a disease manifests. Conditions where Qi is blocked and blood clots form do not appear on modern imaging tests, but they are functional abnormalities that can be identified by checking the pulse, examining the tongue, and palpating the body. In cases of severe Qi stagnation, the condition of blood clots is confirmed through tenderness in the flank passage, purple spots on the tongue, and a taut, tense pulse to determine the direction of treatment. At Dongjedang, we also identify the functional causes of intercostal neuralgia of unknown etiology through examination and establish a customized treatment plan.